Introduction to KiCad
KiCad EDA is an open source electronic design automation (EDA) software based on the GPLv3 open source agreement. It was originally launched by Frenchman Jean-Pierre Charras in 1992 and is now maintained by the KiCad open source community.
KiCad provides a complete design flow, from schematic to PCB layout, as well as 3D model and BOM generation. KiCad supports multiple file formats, is compatible with other EDA software, and can run on a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. The software includes engineering project management, schematic design, circuit board drawing, and symbol library design. , package library design, circuit board 3D display, Gerber viewing, circuit board practical calculation and other tools.
KiCad has a friendly user interface, is easy to use, and has rich functions to meet the needs of electronic designers. KiCad currently supports 22 language versions including English, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian, making it convenient for the world. Used by developers.
Conference Outline
Building on the success of KiCon Europe, we are very pleased to announce that the first KiCad Asia conference will be held in Shenzhen, China, in the heart of the global electronics hub. Please mark your calendars for Sunday, November 12, 2023, where you will be invited to attend a full-day KiCad Enlightenment event from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Our event features a dynamic lineup of speakers, including respected KiCad core developers Wayne Stambaugh and Seth Hillbrand , as well as a diverse range of KiCad community participants ranging from seasoned experts to enthusiastic newbies. The "Simple-Add-On hat" hands-on session generously sponsored by Huaqiu NextPCB will climax the day's activities. For more details, please browse the information below. We eagerly await your participation in this landmark KiCad gathering.
Building on the resounding success of the European KiCon, we are thrilled to announce the inaugural Asian KiCad Conference, set to take place in the heart of the global electronics hub, Shenzhen, China. Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 12th, 2023, as we invite you to immerse yourself in a full day of KiCad enlightenment, from 9:00 AM until approximately 6:00 PM. Our event boasts a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, including esteemed KiCad developers, Wayne Stambaugh and Seth Hillbrand, complemented by a diverse array of presenters spanning the spectrum of KiCad proficiency, from seasoned experts to enthusiastic newcomers. The day will culminate with a captivating hands-on session dedicated to crafting a Simple-Add-On hat, generously sponsored by HQ NextPCB. For further details, please explore the information provided below. We eagerly anticipate your participation in this landmark KiCad gathering.
Schedule
- 09:00 Event Sign-in Registration
- 09:20 Opening speech Introductions
- 09:30 Keynote Speech: KiCad 2023 by Wayne Stambaugh
- 10:00 Morning speakers
- 10:30 Migrating to KiCad: how to use design and libraries from your existing EDA tool
- 11:00 Morning speakers
- Lunch
- 13:30 Level up your custom design rules by Seth Hillbrand
- 14:00 Afternoon speakers
- 14:30 Afternoon speakers
- 15:00 Afternoon speakers
- 15:30 Talking to developers
- 16:00-18:00 Design up your own Simple-Add-On Hat (Design up your own Simple-Add-On Hat)
Conference Tickets
We have tried to keep our fares as low as possible. Thanks to the sponsorship of Huaqiu NextPCB, you can purchase tickets at a low price of 99 RMB or 15 USD from the following website: https://www.huodongxing.com/event/4720552657600
Tickets include a simple lunch and tea break as well as a mysterious souvenir. The remaining fees will be donated to the KiCad community.
We have tried to make the cost as low as possible. Due to the sponsorship of HQNextPCB, Tickets can be purchased for the low cost of RMB99, or US$15, from: https://www.huodongxing.com/event/4720552657600 or via Eventbright: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/710961032587/
Tickets include a light lunch，refreshment breaks and a secret souvenir. Rest will be donated to KiCad community.
Looking to speak at KiCon? (Want to Speak at the Shenzhen KiCon?)
Do you have something you'd like to share with other KiCad users? We are looking for sharing based on end users and developers. You can apply here .
Have something you would like to share with other KiCad people? We are looking for end user and developer based presentations. You can apply here
Location
Alibaba Cloud Innovation Center Roadshow Hall.
Address: Alibaba Cloud Innovation Center, 17th Floor, Building 4, New Generation Industrial Park, No. 136 Zhongkang Road, Shangmeilin, Futian District, Shenzhen.
Aliyun Innovation Center
17th Floor, Building 4, New Generation Industrial Park, 146 Zhongkang Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
Getting There
Shenzhen North Railway Station : The New Generation Industrial Park is approximately 7 kilometers (3 subway stops) away from Shenzhen North Railway Station. It takes about 15 minutes by taxi or about 20 minutes by Line 4.
Bao'an Airport : 35 kilometers from Bao'an Airport, about 45 minutes by taxi
Hong Kong : 5 subway stops from Futian Port; 10 subway stops from Luohu Port
Self-driving : Navigate to the parking lot of the New Generation Industrial Park – P3 entrance and exit
Subway : Take Exit A/B of Meilin Subway Station on Line 4/Line 9 and walk about 400 meters to Building 4 of New Generation Industrial Park
Venue instructions :
Get off at Shangmeilin Subway Station and take Exit B. Walk north to the building with the Honor logo and turn right. Continue walking to Building 4 (there is a Honor Service Point). You can take the elevator directly to the 17th floor from the M floor or the 1st floor.
From Shenzhen North Railway Station: New Generation Industrial Park is 7 kilometers or 3 metro stops away from Shenzhen North Railway Station (深圳北). It takes about 15 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes by metro.
From Baoan Airport: 35 kilometers from Shenzhen Baoan Airport and takes about 45 minutes by taxi.
From Hong Kong: 5 stops from the Futian checkpoint and 10 stops from Luohu checkpoint
Drive: Navigate to the NextGen Park parking lot – P3 Entrance/Exit
Subway: Take line 4 or line 9 and get off at Shangmeilin Station (上梅林). Then walk 400 meters to Building 4.
Directions
At Shangmeilin station, take exit B, walk up the road and turn right on the shiny blue building with the Honor logo on top. Keep walking until you reach Building 4 with the Honor repair shop. Click here for a pdf copy of direction guide.
The area has not been updated on Google maps!
You can search for ‘New Generation Information Technology Industrial Park’ for general navigation.
Simple-Add-On PCB Workshop
We have set aside up to two hours for attendees to design their own SAO PCB. This event is sponsored by HQNextPCB. The purpose is to let everyone have some creative fun in using KiCAD. By using different PCB layers and manufacturing processes, we can make some interesting small PCBs. Please bring some SVG drawings or sketches to design your PCB.
If there are enough people who have not used KiCAD software before, a small seminar on "Getting Started with KiCAD Software" can also be held during this time.
Note: If you are interested in participating in the event, please bring your own laptop (install KiCad 7 in advance)
For more information about the Simple Simeple-Add-On (SAO) interface, click on the link below.
We have set aside up to two hours for attendees to design up their own SAO PCB. This is sponsored by HQNextPCB. The object here is to have some creative fun with KiCAD. By using the various PCB layers and manufacturing processes we can create some small interesting and fun PCB’s. Bring along some SVG artwork or sketches for your PCB design.
This time period might also provide time for a small workshop on an ‘Introduction to Using the KiCAD Software’ if there are enough people that haven’t used it before.
Notice：If you have interested in this event, please bring your laptop with KiCad 7 installed.
Some more information about the Simple-Add-On (SAO) interface:
- https://hackaday.io/project/175182-simple-add-ons-sao
- https://hackaday.com/2019/03/20/introducing-the-shitty-add-on-v1-69bis-standard/
Shenzhen Manufacturing Tour
On November 13, 2023 (Monday), Seeed Studio will organize a Shenzhen manufacturing tour. During this day's journey, the Seeed Fusion team will take you to visit three different factories, namely the Siled Technology Agile Manufacturing Center, the PCB manufacturing factory and the mold processing factory. Visitors can not only feel the operation of smart equipment and manufacturing processes, but also learn about Shenzhen’s contributions in the fields of smart manufacturing and innovative technology.
Click the link to learn more: https://www.shenzhenmakerfaire.com/2023/09/22/mfsz23-factory-safari-experience-the-magic-power-of-shenzhen-manufacturing/
The organizer of Shenzhen Makerfaire-Seeed Studio is putting on a manufacturing tour on Monday, the 13th November 2023. You can find more about the tour here:
https://www.shenzhenmakerfaire.com/2023/09/22/mfsz23-factory-safari-experience-the-magic-power-of-shenzhen-manufacturing/
Sign up for the tour: https://jinshuju.net/f/kmdd7Y
It would be best to wear enclosed shoes for the tour. There is a limited number of seats, so sign up ASAP.
Accommodation
There are many hotels to choose from near the venue, within walking distance of the venue. You can also choose to live in the central Futian area, where there are more hotel options. Some of us will live near the Science Museum Metro Station, which is very close to Huaqiangbei Electronics Market, just one metro stop or about 1 km away.
There are a number of available hotels within walking distance of the venue. You may also choose to stay in the central Futian area where there are more hotel options.. Some of us will be staying around the Science Museum Metro Station area which is close, one Metro stop or around 1km to the HQB electronic markets.
Other Local Events
The Shenzhen Maker Summit will be held on November 11th and 12th, while the China International High-tech Fair will be held from November 15th to 18th, 2023, which will help connect KiCAD to those interested in electronic products. people brought to Shenzhen, making it a favorable time to host the first KiCAD Shenzhen 2023 mini conference in Asia. If you have time and are interested in large machinery, the Daya Bay Industrial Expo will be held from November 27th to 30th. We will organize small groups to visit these events and other technology events in the surrounding areas of Shenzhen.
Due to the Shenzhen Makerfaire being held on the 11th and 12th and the China Hi-Tech Fair on the 15th-18th of November 2023, this will help bring KiCAD and people interested in Electronics to Shenzhen making this an auspicious time to host the first KiCAD Shenzhen 2023 mini-conference in Asia. If you have the time, and are interested in large machines, there is the Greater Bay Industrial Expo being held on the 27th – 30th November. There will be a small group of us touring these and other local nightly tech events on around Shenzhen.
- https://www.shenzhenmakerfaire.com/ – Shenzhen Maker Faire SZ Makerfaire – 11-12 Nov 2023
- https://www.chtf.com/english/ – China Hi Tech Fair – 15th-18th Nov 2023
- https://www.dmpshow.com/en/exhibition-info/shenzhen/ – Greater Bay Area Industrial Expo – 27-30 Nov 2023